Simple and exciting
The new device is “really exciting”, she added. “It’s not invasive and is quite simple to use and could help a lot of people with Tourette syndrome.”
Asked to comment, Alan Carson, MD, consultant neuropsychiatrist and honorary professor of neuropsychiatry, University of Edinburgh, who co-chaired the neuropsychiatry session featuring this presentation, called the device “promising.”
“Deep brain stimulation appears to be very effective but it’s a major procedure, so a simple wearable device seems highly desirable,” Dr. Carson said.
Dr. Joyce also discussed a study on the efficacy of cannabis (nabiximols; Sativex) as an intervention for tic management in males, those with severe tics, and those with comorbid ADHD.
And a new oral medication, ecopipam, a highly selective D1 receptor antagonist, is also raising hopes, said Dr. Joyce, with results from a randomized controlled trial showing the drug significantly improved tics and had few adverse effects.
Dr. Joyce and Dr. Carson report no relevant financial relationships.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.